Technician in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

As a Technician you will work as an integral member of the School’s existing technical team. Reporting to Professor Sergio Rutella, you will assist in the planning, design, and execution of a range of experimental procedures in addition to the maintenance of a range of specialist equipment to support research activities. You will provide technical expertise to research projects led by Professor Rutella, alongside administration duties such as record keeping and ordering consumables.

You will adopt high working standards to ensure the Division’s technical team continues to be recognised for its service excellence and exemplary Health and Safety record.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Perform research experiments as required.
• Support the daily running of Professor Rutella’s laboratory to ensure continued safe and reliable service excellence.
• Present data and results to Professor Rutella’s research group and wider audiences as required.
• Perform general laboratory maintenance, including ordering, routine maintenance of equipment, consumables, stocks, etc.
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate and tidy records of research work, cell line usage etc.
• Provide a high-quality, detailed and effective technical service.
• Liaise with Professor Rutella regarding potential work, provide guidance, and carry out experimental procedures.
• Provide cost estimates and timescales for work and work materials.
• Provide technical advice and training/demonstrations in the use of specialised equipment to staff, students, and visitors, ensuring that Health and Safety is maintained throughout.
• Contribute as part of larger, Division-wide collaborative projects Professor Rutella is involved with to support the achievement of project objectives.
• Plan experimental tasks up to 3 weeks ahead, although advance planning may vary from 1 week – 3 months ahead depending on the research programme and scale.
• Provide a high standard of customer service to staff, students, and visitors.
• Make suggestions for improving service and refer customers to senior colleagues as appropriate.
• Use, monitor and maintain a range of general and specialist technical equipment to meet the needs of the Division with regard to teaching and experimental work.
• Be involved in the development, testing and construction of new equipment and/or techniques.
• Maintain an awareness and commitment to the relevant Health and Safety rules and regulations.
• Provide safety information to staff and students.
• Carry out and document risk assessments on student and staff activities, maintain training records and liaise with the Division Safety Officer to ensure compliance with legislation and University policies.
• Work collaboratively across School of Medicine & Population Health divisions, providing support, advice and guidance when required.
• Make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.

Person Specification:

• An Ordinary or Higher National Diploma in a relevant scientific field (or have equivalent experience).
• Experience of working in a technical support environment.
• Processing of human samples, flow cytometry, cell culture.
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, library preparation), histopathology techniques.
• Excellent knowledge of safe working practices and experience of applying Health and Safety in a laboratory environment.
• Technical professional registration or the willingness to work towards this.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate to academic, research and technical staff at all levels within the organisation.
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and with a high degree of accuracy.
• Understanding of the health and safety issues relevant to the area and the ability to instil good health and safety practices within a team.

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Sergio Rutella at s.rutella@sheffield.ac.uk.

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 25 August 2026. This will consist of an interview and a short power-point presentation.

A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.

Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Technical Career Route.

A range of generous family-friendly policies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Our University Vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.